Oh, let me tell you about my *thanksgiving bars dessert*! It’s become such a cherished tradition in my home, and I can’t imagine a holiday table without them. Picture this: a warm, spiced pumpkin filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with crunchy pecans. It’s like a slice of autumn that you can hold in your hand! Every year, as the leaves change and the air gets crisp, I whip up a batch and watch my family dive in with big smiles. There’s something so comforting and festive about these bars—they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Trust me, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds! So, let’s get into this delicious recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bars Dessert
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your bars bake evenly and get that perfect, delicious texture we’re all after. So, get that oven going while you prepare the rest!
Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until it’s all crumbly and mixed well. It should feel like wet sand. Now, grab a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and press this mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even—this will be the base for your delicious filling!
Make the Filling
In another bowl, let’s bring together some flavors! Mix the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. I love to use a whisk for this—just keep mixing until it’s all blended smoothly. You want to see a beautiful, vibrant orange mixture that smells like fall! This is where the magic happens, folks.
Assemble and Bake
Now that you’ve got your crust and filling ready, it’s time to assemble! Pour that luscious pumpkin filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for that extra crunch. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—don’t overbake it!
Cool and Cut
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in right away! Let it cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting time will help it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into bars. Once cooled, slice them up, and get ready to share (or keep them all to yourself, I won’t judge!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These bars come together in just about 50 minutes, perfect for those busy holiday preparations.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy, comforting taste that screams fall.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and they’re easy to serve at gatherings—everyone can grab one and enjoy!
- Flexible Dessert: They taste amazing on their own but can be dressed up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Make Ahead: These bars store well in the fridge, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time, so you can focus on other dishes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe once they get a taste of these delightful bars!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving bars dessert* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that I swear by!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your pumpkin puree is fresh and not expired. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even roast and puree your own pumpkin for an extra depth of flavor!
- Room Temperature Eggs: Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before using them. Room temperature eggs help create a smoother filling and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your filling ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want these bars to be light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner cuts, let your bars chill in the fridge for a bit after cooling. This helps them hold their shape when slicing and makes for a more professional look!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to switch things up! A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can take these bars to the next level.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each delightful bar, so you can enjoy them without any surprises:
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—these bars are packed with flavor and love, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you want to take your *thanksgiving bars dessert* to the next level, roasting and pureeing your own pumpkin adds a fantastic depth of flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge once they’re completely cool, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when it’s time to serve.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or even some chocolate chips for a twist! Just remember to adjust the quantity to your taste.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft at first—it’s all part of the magic!
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes! These *thanksgiving bars dessert* freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving bars dessert* is super easy, and I’ve got the best tips to keep them fresh and delicious! First, make sure the bars have completely cooled in the baking dish. Once they’re at room temperature, cut them into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them, so they don’t stick together.
If you want to keep them for longer, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out the number of bars you need and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat them—these bars are just as delightful served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in a microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit mushy!
Print
Thanksgiving Bars Dessert: 7 Comforting Recipes to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert bar perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be served with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bars dessert
